Boston Celtics fans were subjected to a scary scene on Friday night when Kemba Walker had to be stretchered off the floor after colliding with teammate Semi Ojeleye.
Although subsequent tests were extremely encouraging — Walker was merely experiencing mild concussion-like symptoms — further tests have led to a “doubtful” designation for Boston's game against the Celtics on Monday, the team announced in a statement:
#NEBHInjuryReport Following further examination in Boston, Kemba Walker will be listed as doubtful against Sacramento with a neck sprain. He remains under evaluation and further updates will be provided as appropriate.
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) November 24, 2019
The Celtics figure to treat Walker's situation with a sense of caution particularly given that they are already without Gordon Hayward for another month.
Walker has had a transformative effect on this Celtics team. Boston signed him this summer when it became clear that Kyrie Irving was on his way out of Beantown, and Walker's unselfish leadership has helped create more opportunity for guys like Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum.
Of course, Walker has been playing some good basketball himself. He is averaging 21.1 points, 4.7 assists and 4.6 rebounds through his first 15 games while shooting close to 39 percent from beyond the arc.
Walker is not converting on his 2-pointers at a high rate, but his ability to play off the ball and flash off of screens gives Brown, Tatum and Marcus Smart more time on the ball and more of a chance to make plays. In fact, Smart actually leads the team in assists per game (5.0).
The Celtics struggled to space the floor against a tough Denver Nuggets defense on Friday, shooting just 7-of-27 from beyond the arc and losing the battle on the boards.
Boston will take on a Kings team that has suffered from some injuries of their own, but Walker seems to be trending in the right direction.
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